Macbeth

A detailed Summary of Macbeth

In the beginning of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the title character is presented as a mature and successful man in an enviable position. Although presented with his valor and loyalty, the reader cannot conclude that these are his only traits. The changes in Macbeth's character can be seen through his interactions with the witches, through his interactions with his wife, and most importantly, through his interactions with himself. The audience soon realizes that Macbeth is only as loyal as his options and these are subject to change at any given moment.

Macbeth is motivated in his actions by the honors he receives. For example, his fighting in Duncan's army is very courageous, and the reader can see his euphoric attitude after the battle. It can also be inferred that Macbeth rejoices in the success, which makes him honorable during the battle. The fact that Macbeth fights for his personal gain is obvious when Macbeth says to Duncan that "The service and the loyalty I owe/ In doing it, pays itself" (1. 4. 22-23). While he destroys the king's enemies, this reward is hardly enough to satisfy Macbeth's need to be rewarded. In fact, these rewards barely satisfy his need to be recognized by the public and by his colleagues.

Throughout the play, Macbeth goes through many very dramatic changes. In the beginning, he is a loyal subject only concerned with obtaining some recognition. As the play progresses he becomes more and more paranoid. At the end he is only a shell of the honorable man he once was. The audience can make many assumptions about who is at fault for his tragic demise, but the answer always returns to the man himself. As a very complex character, Macbeth must be seen as a man who symbolizes the majority of people today, but in very extreme circumstances.

His nature indeed demands recognition, and this is why he fights valiantly, in order to be referred to by others as "valor's minion" and "Bellona's Bridegroom". Macbeth values success because it brings fame, and new titles, and royal favor laid upon him in public. This is also apparent when Macbeth meets the witches and becomes fascinated with the idea of being Thane of Cawdor and eventually King. As long as these fickle rewards are giving him the unchecked power he craves, he is an honorable gentleman; this holds true only until he begins to covet the kingship.

As he returns from a victorious battle, filled with self-love and an ever-increasing demand for recognition, the Weird Sisters begin to fill his thoughts with obtaining the greatest level of power and recognition. These witches know exactly what passions drive him and what dark desires wait for their tending. Realizing that he desires the kingdom, they tell him the prophecy of him becoming king. While the witches cannot compel him to do evil, they do stir up passions, which will ultimately make him choose to kill Duncan. Although he may greatly desire to be king, he still has enough good inside of him to compel him not to resort to any actions. This decision is not a moral one but rather a choice based on not getting caught for the evil of regicide. This evil bothers him because it

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Approximate Word count = 1291
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English